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Abstract
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Samples of surface sediments from the
Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf were examined to
determine the levels and sources of 15 polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). Samples were collected
from 30 sampling sites and analyzed for PAHs by gas
chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Total
concentrations of PAHs ranged from 93 to 4,077 ng
g−1 dry weight. The PAH composition from30 sampling
sites was dominated by four-ring PAH compounds.
Molecular indices based on the ratios of PAH concentrations
were used to differentiate PAHs from pyrolitic
to petrogenic and mixed origins. The results suggested
that the main sources of PAHs in sediments from the
studied region were mixed pyrolitic and petrogenic.
Furthermore, benthic organisms in most of the
investigated areas were not at ecotoxicological risk,
according to the results from the effects range low
(ERL)/effects range median (ERM) techniques suggested
by the US Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs).
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